Office provider ends successful year on a charitable high

Serviced office provider Business First has ended a successful year on a high by encouraging tenants to shop local and donating 200 gifts to a nationwide charity toy appeal.

The company invited local businesses to book out stalls for free in each of its locations during the run-up to Christmas to allow businesses to sell their own products, encouraging business centre tenants to shop local. 

In total, more than 30 small businesses and sole traders exhibited their wares in reception areas at Business First’s nine centres.

Each Business First location has also been a drop-off point for Cash For Kids’ Mission Christmas appeal, the UK’s largest toy appeal which asks people to donate new, unwrapped gifts to be delivered to vulnerable children. 

Business First rallied tenants and staff at its centres in Padiham, Burnley, Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool, Paisley and Liverpool, while each Christmas stallholder was also asked to provide a gift per visit to support the toy appeal, resulting in 200 presents being donated from the Business First collection points.

Business First director, Sarah Fretwell, said: “Our Christmas campaign to support small businesses and a fantastic charity marks the end of a successful 12 months for Business First, which has seen us grow throughout the year while retaining current tenants and offering support to everyone who holds a tenancy. 

“We look forward to the new year, when Business First can open the doors on more networking and offering outstanding facilities for any professional corporate business, leading the way to offer the best service, facilities and business relationships.”

Speaking about the Mission Christmas appeal, Sarah added: “This is the third year we’ve taken part and we couldn’t be happier to do our bit. We’re not just here to support our local business community, but to do what we can to support those in our local communities who may be suffering at this time of year.

“We want to give a huge thanks to our business centre tenants for their generosity and festive spirit in supporting both local businesses and a deserving charity.”